The web series directed by Anubhav Sinha IC814: The Kandahar hijacking A controversy recently broke out when a section of social media accused the filmmaker of deliberately altering the names of two of the kidnappers to “Bhola and Shankar.” The uproar became so intense that streaming platform Netflix issued a statement, part of which read, “…the initial disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the kidnappers.” kidnappers.”
In the midst of this controversy, we spoke with the actor Kumud Mishrawho plays Ranjan Mishra, RAW’s joint secretary in the series. Asked if a project based on real events comes with a sense of responsibility to present the facts accurately and if there is added pressure to deliver a compelling series while remaining true to reality, Mishra tells us, “The important thing is that it is ‘based’ on real events. If you want more information about the incident, there are documentaries and research materials available. But when you present a fictional account of a real event, a lot of elements are brought in for dramatic effect – the characters we portray are not biographies of real people. I played the role of Ranjan Mishra, imagining how this particular character might have acted in such a situation. It is my interpretation.”
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He adds: “If the present generation wants more information about the event, they can refer to the reference material available on the subject. However, the basics (of the incident) cannot be changed, but much is included for dramatic effect, even when adapting an autobiography for the big screen.”
Responding to debates on social media about not using the real names of the hijackers, portraying the terrorists in a humane manner and introducing a romantic angle, Mishra says, “Why are certain things being said on social media? We all know the reasons. As a performer, I can only talk about acting. However, I want to ask, why are the thousands of people who are watching the show not asking themselves these questions? Why are only a few people on social media asking themselves these questions? People who come to me and appreciate the show are not asking me these questions.”
Read also: IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack director Anubhav Sinha on controversy: I was faithful to the script
He adds, “If someone wants to have a constructive conversation with me about why certain things are presented in a certain way, I can have that conversation. But how can I talk about something that has no basis? If you watch the series properly, everything has been answered. There is no question that the creators left unanswered. That being said, it was such a serious incident that even today, there are still many unanswered questions. And every incident has several interpretations of the truth, it depends on your perspective. If someone wants to fabricate the truth, they can do that. Everyone has their own view, like in Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon.”
Commenting on the specific controversy over code names, Mishra clarifies, “The code names used in the series were the real names used during the incident. There should not be any controversy over it. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
Asked if the controversy has overshadowed the generally positive response to the series, Mishra says, “I don’t think so. People who want to watch the series for its artistry and creativity will continue to do so. These discussions won’t matter to them.”
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